(ANEM/IFEX) – The following is a 31 May 2000 ANEM statement: ANEM still denied access to leased premises in Beogradjanka BELGRADE, May 31, 2000 — Staff and associates of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) are still unable to gain access to the association’s premises and equipment on the seventeenth and eighteenth floors of […]
(ANEM/IFEX) – The following is a 31 May 2000 ANEM statement:
ANEM still denied access to leased premises in Beogradjanka
BELGRADE, May 31, 2000 — Staff and associates of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) are still unable to gain access to the association’s premises and equipment on the seventeenth and eighteenth floors of the Beogradjanka building, two weeks after the seizure of Studio B. The premises are still blocked by police, with no legal justification “until further notice”. This is despite the fact that these premises have no connection with Studio B nor have they ever had any such connection. ANEM leased the premises from the Department for Business Premises of the City of Belgrade. ANEM legal representatives attempted again today to enter the leased premises. They were referred by building security to the building manager who was unable to assist them.
The Third Municipal Court today heard a case brought by ANEM against the Republic of Serbia for disruption of property in the Beogradjanka business offices. Magistrate Savo Mickovic dismissed an objection by the Serbian Public Prosecutor, who claimed that the case was outside the court’s jurisdiction, and adjourned the hearing until June 15. The court has still not ruled on an application by ANEM for a temporary order allowing the association the undisturbed use of the leased premises.
The Belgrade Commercial Court has also heard an application from ANEM which demanded that the new management of Studio B meet its obligation under the valid contracts with ANEM. Judge Milojka Zekovic rejected an application for a temporary order and ruled that the case should be heard in the Belgrade Higher Commercial Court.
ANEM again appeals to the appropriate state bodies to release the offices on the seventeenth and eighteenth floors of Beogradjanka which have obviously been usurped illegally.
Veran Matic,
Chairman, ANEM